The Hospitality Gap - Connecting Leading Employers and Educators - April 1, 2016 - Maple Hill Farm. This is the presentation given by Chris Fogg of Maine Tourism Association with relation to the Resources for Workforce Investment and Retention.

1. Chris Fogg
CEO
Maine Tourism Association
Resources For Workforce Investment And Retention

2. • Lower skilled foreign workers generally housekeeping, dishwashers,
groundskeeping employees
• Temporary, seasonal positions which must be advertised locally first 3
months prior to need
• Capped by Federal Government at 66,000 visas nationally
• Companies like Anitoch Employment Services can help
H2B Visa Program

3. • Student visa program
• More skilled workers like front desk staff, servers
• Challenge is duration of employment and housing
• Companies like CIEE can help
J1 Student Visa Program

4. • Targeting an area of the state
• Building relationships with business with opposite seasonality issues
• Employee referral program
• Seasonal to year round
Creative Options

5. • Indeed
• Craigslist
• Local chamber of commerce job board
• Social media network
More Common Options

6. • Hire wisely
• Create a positive atmosphere and work environment
• Make sure employee will fit on your team
• Attitude and enthusiasm trumps experience
• One negative employee can reduce productivity for a group by 30% to
40%
Employee Retention

7. • Encourage employees to own their program
• Set measurable goals, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail- Just fail fast
• Empower them to make decisions
• Invest in developing their skills
• Preach and practice great customer service
• Welcome ME Program
Employee Retention

8. Thank You!